The Moment Everything Changed

Bill shook his head slightly and muttered, almost like he was talking to himself, “Who’d have thought?” His voice sounded heavier than usual, the kind you hear when someone realizes they’re watching something they’ll be telling stories about for years. Rick edged closer as if seeing it up close might make it more believable.

A few minutes ago, Mad Dog McClain was just a random trucker fueling up, but now the place felt different, buzzing with something you couldn’t quite name. The laughter was gone, swallowed by a thick, restless quiet. Everyone felt it. The story had flipped, and McClain hadn’t even made his move yet.